Blog The Vote- McCain Announces Presidential Bid

Republican Sen. John McCain will officially enter the presidential race his second run after a bitter loss to George W. Bush in 2000 with a formal announcement in early April.

The Arizona senator disclosed the timing of the long-expected announcement in a taping for the “Late Show With David Letterman” on CBS for airing Wednesday night.

“I am announcing that I will be a candidate for president of the United States,” the senator told the talk show host and then added he would give a formal speech to that effect in early April. Read the full story here.

Democrats Disunion

The Politico says that several Democrats are upset with the way Democratic leaders have handled Iraq war policy.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Tuesday postponed for at least a week action on a Democratic plan to rewrite the 2002 congressional resolution authorizing the war, imposing new wartime restrictions on the administration.

Sen. Ben Nelson, a conservative Democrat from Nebraska, said the new Democratic strategy could unfairly hamstring the president and military commanders. "I think it is very difficult to start changing things after the fact and still avoid micromanaging the war."

And Sen. Russ Feingold, a liberal Democrat from Wisconsin, criticized the latest Democratic strategy as too timid and toothless in stopping the war. Approving a new authorization resolution would be the same "as voting for a new Iraq war and that I am not going to do."

This is the problem with the Democratic party, they are not united in their goals and aspirations. Some Democrats would like to cut funding for the war, others want a time table et cetera. In order to achieve anything Democrats need to come together under one banner. Their disunion is only going to hurt them in the long run.

What do you think?

"Better late than never."

"Better late than never," said Leon E. Panetta, a onetime White House chief of staff who served on the Iraq Study Group, when she was asked about scheduled regional conference with Iraq two neighbors Syria and Iran.

The United States where also invited to these talks however will not be the ones running the talks. However, the Iraqi government has called the meeting and will head the meetings, contrary to the recommendations of the panel.

Democrats heralded the plan as a needed change in policy. Sen. Joseph R. Biden said, that "the administration is right to reverse itself and engage Iran and Syria on Iraq. Right now they're a big part of the problem, but they have an interest in becoming part of the solution to prevent chaos in Iraq."

Personally I feel that this is good on many levels. The first is that it shows that the United States recognizes the problems which exist in Syria and Iran and that we will need to help to fix the problem in a diplomatic way. The second and more important is that the Iraqi government is taking a primary role in these talks. It shows that the Iraqi government wants to take control of their country.

What do you think?

Joe Lieberman Part II

Well I think Sen. Lieberman is a really smart, although I do not believe he will ever switch political parties, I feel he is bluffing. I think however he is using his position, as an independent to ensure that the congress continues to support our troops.

The Democrats would be crazy to call his bluff, they do not under any circumstances want to lose their majority status in the Senate. Lieberman knows this fact very well and has used it to his advantage.

What do you think?

ACCORDING TO THE POLITICO: Lieberman Says War Vote Could Prompt Party Switch

The Politico Reports:
Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut told the Politico Thursday that he has no immediate plans to switch parties, but suggested Democratic opposition to funding the war in Iraq might change his mind.

Lieberman, a registered independent who caucuses with Democrats, has been among the strongest supporters of the war and President Bush’s plan to send another 21,500 combat troops into Iraq to help quell the violence there.

"I have no desire to change parties," Lieberman said in a telephone interview. "If that ever happens, it is because I feel the majority of Democrats have gone in a direction that I don't feel comfortable with."

Asked whether that hasn't already happened with Iraq, Lieberman said: "We will see how that plays out in the coming months," specifically how the party approaches the issue of continued funding for the war.

He suggested, however, that the forthcoming showdown over new funding could be a deciding factor that would lure him to the Republican Party.

"I hope we don't get to that point," Lieberman said. "That's about all I will say on it today. That would hurt."

Republicans have long targeted Lieberman to switch – a move that would give them control of the Senate. And Time magazine is set to report Friday that there is a “remote” chance Lieberman would join the GOP.

Blog The Vote- Romney 1st Campaign Ad

The 60 second advertisement will air in Florida, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Johnathan Martin at the Politico has the full story.

Great Britian withdraws troops from Iraq

This morning Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, announced that they will begin with drawing British troops from the southern region of Iraq.

I continue to support the war in Iraq, however as more of our allies begin to pull their troops out, we are no longer fighting a global war on terror but an American war on terror which makes no sense. When we went into Vietnam, we went with a strong coalition which shared the economic costs, life costs, and military costs, in fact the United States made money. The fact of the matter is though that this is not a war that can be solved through a two state division of Iraq, it must end with a "peaceful" and "stable" Iraq. If we cannot help the Iraqi government to accomplish that then there is no hope for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Political Cartoon on Slate.com

This cartoon is great!!!!

Blog The Vote- Romney supports "don't ask, don't tell"

The Washington Post reports:

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney (R), who once advocated allowing gays to serve openly in the military, said yesterday that he does not think the Pentagon should change its "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the midst of the Iraq war.

" 'Don't ask, don't tell' has worked well. We're in the middle of a conflict. Now is not the time for a change in that regard, and I don't have a policy posture as to allowing gays in the military to serve there openly," Romney, a presidential candidate, said on ABC's "This Week."

This is why I don't like Mitt Romney as a Republican candidate for President. He is not standing by what he has been saying, he is continuously changing his opinion on the social issues which drive American voters. People tend to care less for important political issues like education funding, defense policies, et cetera and care more about issue that impact their everyday life. Romney is doing the same thing that John Kerry did in 2004 flip-flopping and it will cause his demise for the nomination.

Blog The Vote- McCain hits the campaign trail hard

Over the weekend Sen. John McCain hit the campaign trail harder than he had in his 2000 campaign. He spent the weekend in predominantly in Iowa and South Carolina.

For most of the weekend he spent combating question on the Iraq Policy which he has promoted for years and now is held hostage by. McCain has spent the past several years urging congress and the President to increase the number of troops in Iraq, saying that it is our only option for victory and an end to the war.

Now that the President has put that plan into action for McCains sake it must work. Otherwise his aspirations for 2008 have been shot down.

The other major topic impacting the Republican race is abortion. Other contenders, like the pro-choice Giuliani and born-again pro-life Romney, do not sit well with the majority of Republican voters who are opposed to abortion and think that legislation needs to be passed prohibiting it.

McCain on the other hand came out this weekend in front of a large crowd in South Carolina saying that he wants to see Roe v. Wade overturned.

I feel that McCain is the Republicans best chance at victory in 2008. The other two front runners, Romney and Giuliani do not have the same political backing that McCain has. He has been on the national stage for many years and his experience far outweighs them.

Blog the Vote-Information

For the best and most up to the minute campaign coverage check out The Politico, its a new site and DC newspaper. It is in my opinion the best in Politics coverage.

Rice at the Middle East Summit

CNN.com reports:

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held "productive" talks Monday with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and said she expects more negotiations in a bid to restart the Mideast peace process.
Rice's meeting Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas came amid concerns about whether a new Palestinian unity government will renounce terrorism and recognize Israel.

Rice called the meeting "productive and useful," I consider them a waste of money and time at this point. Until the Palestinian "government" recognizes Israels right to exist and renounces violence the Middle East will continue to be at the stalemate its been in for years. Until that happens Israel has the right to be on the defensive against terrorism and any threat that may arise. These meeting are meant to make progress, all I see is a continuation of lies.

Informed Students

Dear Readers,

The blizzard up in Albany, NY where I attend school, has interupted my internet connection. I finally have it again and hope to get some posts up today or tomorrow from home. Keep reading the blog, this weekends Senate vote on the Iraq resolution will be very interesting especially as interrupts campaigning for the ALL the 2008 hopefuls. I will be sure to keep you posted of the developments through the weekend.

The question I pose to all of you is what do you think of the Iraq resolution? Will it do anything?

Political Cartoon on Slate.com

I found this one and it pretty much says what I am expecting tonight as far as weather goes. LOTS OF SNOW, HERE IN ALBANY!!!

Gov. Romney Enters the Race

Mitt Romney stood in front of a large crowd in Michigan at the Henry Ford Museum to announce his candidacy for President. After the announcement Romney will kick off a four day six-state announcement tour, where he will try to boost his credentials with conservative voters. Romney's, religious views as a Mormon will affect his campaign.

Romney talked about Henry Fords innovation and how that had changed America forever, as well continued innovation will change us forever. "Innovation and transformation has been at the heart of American success" and it is needed in American government now more than ever. "It is time for innovation and transformation in Washington," Romney said he continued on with this theme and how Washington needs to be changed from the outside by people who have experienced the real world.

With his family at his side, Romney said that he "declared his intention to run for President of the United States."

Romeny announces his bid for President

A little after 9 a.m. Former Gov. Mitt Romney is expected to announced his run for president.

House votes on Iraq

The House of Representatives will debate a resolution opposing the Bush build up of troops. In short the resolution says that congress oppose the increase of US troops but will continue to support the troops in Iraq.

The Democratic resolution, just 10 lines in length, will frame three days of debate on the war, culminating in an expected vote Friday to put the House on record against President Bush's decision to deploy more than 20,000 additional U.S. combat troops to Iraq. In two short paragraphs, the resolution affirms Congress's support for "the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq" before breaking with the president's new strategy. Read more

I have to say that this resolution does nothing at all, except oppose the Presidents new plan. It offers nothing such as another option, or a way for congress to do anything against the troop build up. It is disgusting that the Democrats would do what they are going to do, they are doing something that will make themselves look good in front of ignorant voters. Americans will see that they passed a resolution against the war. I believe that unless the Democrats offer a new plan for victory, not a withdrawal plan then they should not do anything. I say "not a withdrawal plan" because that is not a plan. This is not Vietnam which was an individual situation, if we pulled out of Iraq several nations would be placed in a Middle East power struggle, which would probably end in a multinational war in the Middle East.

Amhadinejad = No Fear

The Guardian discussed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads, comments and his shrugging "off the threat of the a US attack and said accusations that Tehran was arming insurgents in Iraq represented an attempt to find a scapegoat for American "defeats and failures".

U.S. Press Secretary Tony Snow told reporters that "evidence to the effect that there's been the shipment of weaponry, lethal weaponry, into Iraq, some of it of Iranian provenance. And this is something that we think if the president of Iran wants to put a stop to it, we wish him luck and hope he'll do it real soon." He expressed that this is not a way to pave an offensive war against Iran.

I think that it will be disastrous for the United States to enter into an armed conflict with the Iranians at this time. However I think it would be suicide for the United Nations to leave them be, sanctions and multilateral diplomacy is necessary to deal with the Iranian threat, I emphasize threat. Anyone who believes Iran is not a growing threat to Americans home and abroad and American interests in the region is ignorant to the facts. As well Iran's Presidents consistent calls for the destruction of Israel also poses a threat to stability in the region and to the sole democracy in the region.

Amhadinejad = No Fear

The Guardian discussed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads, comments and his shrugging "off the threat of the a US attack and said accusations that Tehran was arming insurgents in Iraq represented an attempt to find a scapegoat for American "defeats and failures".

U.S. Press Secretary Tony Snow told reporters that "evidence to the effect that there's been the shipment of weaponry, lethal weaponry, into Iraq, some of it of Iranian provenance. And this is something that we think if the president of Iran wants to put a stop to it, we wish him luck and hope he'll do it real soon." He expressed that this is not a way to pave an offensive war against Iran.

I think that it will be disastrous for the United States to enter into an armed conflict with the Iranians at this time. However I think it would be suicide for the United Nations to leave them be, sanctions and multilateral diplomacy is necessary to deal with the Iranian threat, I emphasize threat. Anyone who believes Iran is not a growing threat to Americans home and abroad and American interests in the region is ignorant to the facts. As well Iran's Presidents consistent calls for the destruction of Israel also poses a threat to stability in the region and to the sole democracy in the region.

N. Korea Stops Nuclear Armament

The N.Y. Times says:

North Korea agreed Tuesday after arduous talks to shut down its main nuclear reactor and eventually dismantle its atomic weapons program, just four months after the communist state shocked the world by testing a nuclear bomb.

The deal marks the first concrete plan for disarmament in more than three years of six-nation negotiations, and could potentially herald a new era of cooperation in the region with the North's longtime foes -- the United States and Japan -- also agreeing to discuss normalizing relations with Pyongyang.

This is a step in the right direction for the world, bringing an end to nuclear weapons in North Korea shows that in some instances diplomatic talks works. I think however we will have to see how this affect U.S. Foreign policy in general.

John Bolton, former U.N. Ambassador says that this is similar to the deal that the Clinton administration tried to make in the ending days of his administration. The Chief U.S. Negotiator told CNN's American Morning, that this is different because this was not a "bilateral" agreement but an agreement between North Korea, its neighbors and the United States.

Obama announcement Video

Click here to see Obamas announcments in Illinois

Obama Video

Click here to see Obama's pre-announcement video

Blog the Vote- Obama announces his bid for President

Its official early Saturday morning in front of a large crowd where President Lincoln "called on a divided house to stand together," Sen. Barack Obama announced he is running for the democratic nomination.

Obama said in his speech that "people who love their country can change it," and thats what he wants to do.

A Political Cartoon for the Weekend

Romney concedes: War was mismanaged

The Assoiciated Press reports

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney conceded that the war in Iraq has been poorly managed and may hurt Republicans again next year, but he refused to oppose the course President Bush has charted.

I would have to agree with Romney. The war has been mismanaged to this point however I think Romney is right not to oppose the new course because it is completely brand new. It seems to be the only viable option for "victory," the American people and members of Congress should give it an opportunity to work. If you don't we are still in a "poorly managed" war, the tables may change.

What do you think?

Blog The Vote- Gore Supporters Meet Without Gore

CNN Political Ticker says:

Some Al Gore supporters apparently aren't taking "no" for an answer.

They're plotting to get him into the 2008 presidential race, although he's repeatedly said he's not running.

Gore's top policy adviser from his 2000 presidential bid and other key supporters met in Boston today to mull a potential Gore campaign.

They say the former vice president wasn't involved in the meeting.

I highly doubt that Al Gore will run for President, I do not believe he has the will and drive to run for president again. If he did he would have done so again in 2004.

Hamas and Fatah sign Peace Agreement

The rival Palestinian powers signed a peace agreement late Thursday, that would create a National Unity government controlled by Fatah and Hamas, the NY Times Reported. This could mean great things for the region, however unless they end Hamas' terrorist way they are going to get no where.

The National Unity government is not going to be successful until it recognizes the State of Israel and its right to exist. U.S. and other foreign aide will continue to be withheld until the Palestinian Authority does so. The Unity government will do very little in terms of the Israel--Palestinian Conflict.

New posts at 10 a.m.

Political Cartoon on Slate.com

Pelosi's Palace in the Sky

I tend not to read the New York Post however they had an article online today which cited that the plane requested by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi costs tax payers $22,000 an hour to operate.

The U.S. Air Force say it has offered Pelosi a different plane (C-21 Executive Jet) that operates at only $900 an hour. Pelosi's predecessor Dennis Hastert used the same plane following 9/11 when additional security for the person second in line to president was needed.

Pelosi's issue with the C-21 Executive Jet is that it must refuel enroute to San Francisco, her home town. I would have to agree with Pelosi (for once), politicians need to get back to their districts as quickly and efficiently as possible. Stopping to refuel make her trip longer, members of Congress need to spend time in their districts and on the hill. They need to be able to make this almost weekly trips as easy as possible. If she took a commercial flight she would be able to fly from Washington to San Francisco in 7 hours stopping to refuel would force the trip to at least 10 hours, almost an entire business day. The time saved by the larger plane outweighs the cost, more business will be able to be conducted.

What do you think?

Insurgents Changing Tactics?

Over the past 3 weeks six helicopters have gone down in Iraq, many are speculating that Iraqi insurgents are changing to more aggressive and intelligent tactics.

American officials told the NY Time that the streak strongly suggests that insurgents have adapted their tactics and are now putting more effort into shooting down the aircraft.

This was the sixth helicopter to be shot down in the last three weeks: "The helicopter was flying and passed over us, then we heard the firing of a missile," an eyewitness told the Independent.

I think that insurgents are changing their tactics because they have run out of options and are scrambling for victory. I think that we will see a great topple of the insurgency in the coming months.

7 Republicans Push for a Vote on Iraq War Resolution

CNN.com reports that yesterday several anti-troop surge GOP senators lead by Sen. John Warner circulated a letter to leading Democrats and Republicans, saying the "current stalemate" over the Iraq resolutions is "unacceptable" and they intend to offer the Levin-Warner resolution "disagreeing" with the increase in troops to future bills coming before the Senate.

"We strongly believe the Senate should be allowed to work its will on our resolution as well as on the concepts brought forward by other senators," Warner said on the Senate floor, reading from the letter. "Monday's procedural vote should not be interpreted as any lessening of our resolve to go forward advocating the concepts" of the resolution.

Sen. John McCain offers his own Iraq Resolution

Sen. John McCain released a resolution backed by Sen. Lieberman, Sen. Graham, Sen. Cornyn, Sen. Hutchison, Sen. Domenici, Sen. Thune, Sen. Hatch, and Sen. Roberts. The resolution creates 11 benchmarks which the Iraqi government must meet as well as supports the presidents troop build up.

"In order for us to have a solid chance of success in Iraq, both Americans and Iraqis must fulfill certain responsibilities," McCain said.

The Senate resolution calls on on Congress to provide the U.S. troops the necessary support that would allow General Petraeus to carry out the U.S. mission in Iraq.

The benchmarks built into the resolution enables the U.S. to see if the new strategy in Iraq is working. Sen. McCain told ABC's "This Week," that:

the consequences are obvious. I mean, if they’re not meeting those benchmarks, then obviously the new strategy isn’t succeeding. And I can’t tell you what the other options are, because there are no good options to this. If there was a good option to what we’re doing, to sending more young Americans in harm’s way, I’d tell you. They’re all bad options, in my view, if this one isn’t supported and succeeds.

He estimated that it will only take a few months for us to see success from the new strategy and determine whether the Iraqi government was assuming more responsibility and moving toward both economic and political stability.

Their is no option for further defeat in Iraq, the Americans and Iraqi forces need to overcome and beat the insurgents. If not we have taken a million steps backward and we are just sitting ducks for another attack on Americans. McCain's resolution offers the check, that congress has been looking for in order to hold power over congress. Those who claim the only power congress holds now is that of the purse--are wrong. Congress cannot and will not withhold funds from the troops, the American people will not stand for it.

Power Struggle in the Middle East

The Middle East is on the brink of all out Civil War, said Syrian President Bashar Assad. In Lebanon Hizbullah is gearing up to fight the democratic government, in the Palestinian territories if scheduled peace talks fail Hamas and Fatah are ready to go to war. Someone will gain from these conflict the Saudi's fear that Iran may act on these conflicts to grasp hold of power in the region.

"With the prospect of three civil wars looming over the Middle East — and Iran poised to gain from them all — Saudi Arabia has abandoned its behind-the-scenes checkbook diplomacy and taken on a central, aggressive role in reshaping the region’s conflicts," said the New York Times. If the Saudis are unable to take control of the region, Syrian President Bashar Assad is ready to do so.

The Syrian leader told ABC News that he is ready to sit and talk with the United States although he lacks confidence in such talks. He does not think that Washington will consider meeting although it could be the "last chance" to avoid civil war. Assad feels that the Presidents administration does not have the will or "vision" for peace in Iraq and the region. He pointed out, that the President father had the "will to achieve the peace in the region."

Assad said Syria could play an important role in "supporting the dialogue between the different parties inside Iraq with the support from the other parties like the Americans and the other neighboring countries..."

The region is a powder keg ready to explode at a moments notice. The countries heading towards civil war really need to resolve their conflicts before the race for power grows to--imperialism, which is what will happen. As these countries begin to engage in Civil War, we will begin to see the Iranians, the Saudis, and the Syrians taking an active role in these areas and one force will over take the rest. We could experience another power like the U.S.S.R. The one I am describing, a superpower controlled by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is far more dangerous than U.S.S.R. ever was.

What do you think?

Blog The Vote- Giulliani says he can win.

Monday, former New York City mayor and republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giulliani filed the necessary paper work to announce his bid for President in 2008.

Rudy told Fox News' Hannity and Colmes that he is in to win and that all the candidates are good people. He also offered his perspective on the war on Terror. He said that the "war on terror" is a war we must win and we must consider the other forces in the region.

Giulliani cited that we must put pressure on Iran and that we are facing the same dilemma we faced during the cold war. Nuclear arms cannot be in the hands of an irrational person.

Rudy maybe the moderate that many Americans are looking for.

What do you think?

Republicans Block Troop Build-up resolution

The Republican minority was successful today in blocking a Senate resolution against the surge in troops.

"We must heed the results of the November elections and the wishes of the American people," told Majority Leader Harry Reid to ABC News.

The vote was 49-47, 60 short of the required majority to pass a resolution. This is can be deemed both a success and failure for America. It continues to illustrate the great divide in American society about the war and the surge in troops. I think it is really important for the Senate to support the troops, the resolution in my opinion is doing the opposite.

Republicans block the anti-War resolution

Senate Republican leaders Friday threatened to block the Senate from taking up a bill that would put the chamber on record disagreeing with President Bush's troop increase in Iraq unless Democrats agree to allow Republicans to offer alternatives to the measure, reports CNN.com

The possibility of a filibuster does not surprise me. This is a long needed debate on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Congress can pass any resolution for or against the war and it would be fine with me if and only if members backing the anti-war resolution offered their own plan for success. If you cannot offer an alternative then you should support the only plan currently on the table.

The African American Vote=Key to Democrats Nomination

The Politico Reports: A key supporter of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama urged united African-American support for his presidential bid, questioning whether black Democrats still "owe" Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton their support, according to several people who attended a meeting of black Democratic politicians.

The comments by Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr., which he confirmed Saturday, angered Clinton backers and deepened a sharp rift among African-American political activists.

This is exactly what Republicans would want if Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama split the African-American vote it will be difficult for them to get through the primary. The Democrats will nominate a less then qualified candidate, more likely a candidate that can't win on the national stage. The only Democrats capable of competing in a national election are Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton. The former is the strongest, Obama in my opinion is riding a wave of stardom that will not likely last through a Presidential election.

The Baghdad Operational Command

Col. Douglass Heckman, the senior adviser to the 9th Iraqi Army Division told CNN "Officially the Baghdad Operational Command takes over tomorrow, so the expectation is that the plan will be implemented soon thereafter, very soon thereafter."

Although U.S. source have said the plan will gradually go into effect, big changes on the ground are expected to occur throughout Monday. The pressure on insurgents will increase as the days go on forcing the insurgent to submission

Thousands of U.S. and Iraqi reinforcements already were in place for the neighborhood-by-neighborhood sweep to clamp off the violence by Sunni insurgents and Shiite militia.

He declined to give precise numbers, although U.S. President George W. Bush has ordered 21,500 additional troops to Iraq by the end of May.

I think we will see great changes in Iraq by the end of May. As the surge in troops grow and the new strategy on the ground goes into effect the American people will see what we have been waiting for success in Iraq.

What do you think?

Political Cartoon

Posting should start after 11:30 a.m.